Florida Football Snags Elite 4-Star CB from Windemere—Could This Be Their Game-Changer?

The Florida Gators have just landed a major catch in the 2026 recruiting class, securing their 13th commitment with the addition of four-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh from Windemere High School. After stepping away from Nebraska, Bronaugh’s decision to stay close to home and suit up for Florida signals a significant win for the Gators’ defensive backfield. This rising star, boasting offers from power programs like Florida State, Arkansas, and Baylor, brings elite speed and proven coverage skills that had scouts buzzing at the Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando. With Bronaugh joining Milton safety Kaiden Hall, Florida’s secondary is shaping up to be one to watch in the coming years—a promising glimpse into their defensive future. LEARN MORE

Height, Weight: 6-1, 166 poundsKevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

School: Windermere 

Scouting report: Nobody in the state has boosted their stock this offseason like Bronaugh has. The Huskers will do everything in their power to hold on to Bronaugh, who has reeled in offers from Miami, Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina since the start of the new year. His electric speed is his biggest plus. He is a state champion track athlete and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at UA Next Orlando while dominating matchups in 1-on-1 drills. He’s a ball-hawk that baits and punishes bad throws. 247Sports Composite: 4 star, No. 12 player in Florida, No. 12 CB in the nation 

CJ Bronaugh CB

2024 Stats: 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 6 INTs, 4 passes defended, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick (MaxPreps)

“Ascending defensive back prospect with some of the best speed markers in the class,” wrote Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247 Sports. “Hasn’t faced the stiffest competition to date but turned heads spring before senior year at an Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando where he not only tested off the charts, but also locked down one side of the field in coverage.”Bronaugh recently de-committed from Nebraska and is considered one of the top rising cornerbacks in the 2026 class. He also had offers from Florida State, Arkansas and Baylor, but for now, has chosen to stay closer to home to play for the Florida Gators.Bronaugh joins Milton safety Kaiden Hall as the second defensive back commitment in UF’s 2026 class.Here’s more information on Bronaugh, courtesy of Courtesy of Gannett Florida USA Today recruiting database:

Honors: 2025 Under Armour Next Camp DB MVP (Orlando)USA Today Florida Network grade: 89.25USA Today Florida Network Ranking: No. 22 (No. 3 cornerback) Florida football picked up its 13th commitment of the 2026 class, landing a pledge from four-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh from Windemere High School.

USA Today Florida Network Star Rating: 4 ★★★★